Today, I'm sharing my one-week review of a new gaming device that's been making waves in the market. With options like the ROG Ally and the newly announced OLED Steam Deck, choosing the most suitable device can be tough. I hope my insights will help you decide which one to pick.
The Pros
Stunning Display
The first thing that stands out is the screen. It's an 8.8-inch 2K display with a 144Hz refresh rate, offering incredible clarity and vibrancy. It's perfect for those who find 7-inch screens too small, providing ample screen real estate without sacrificing color quality.
Comfortable Design
Despite its size, it's surprisingly comfortable to hold. I played Red Dead Redemption for almost two hours without any discomfort. The layout minimizes accidental button presses, making for a seamless gaming experience.
Impressive Battery Life
Lenovo has done a fantastic job with the battery. I've been gaming extensively and the battery life holds up remarkably well. Playing at 800p not only looks great but also helps in conserving battery life.
Responsive Support from Lenovo
I appreciate the proactive communication from Lenovo about updates and improvements. They've released BIOS, driver, and Legion space updates, enhancing the user experience significantly.
Optimized Performance at 800p
Playing games at 800p has been a revelation. It not only looks great but also improves FPS and battery life. For instance, when running games at medium settings at 800p, the FPS rate increase is hugely noticeable, offering a smoother gaming experience.
The Cons
Legion Space Issues
Despite improvements, Legion Space can still be clunky. It's not always responsive, and I find myself looking for alternatives.
Game Performance
The device struggles to exceed 50 FPS at 800p on medium settings. This is notably less efficient compared to the RG Li, which offers better performance at higher resolutions.
Durability Concerns
The durability, especially in FPS mode, is a concern. Some friends have reported issues with the controller's connection, suggesting long-term use might be problematic.
Software Bugs
I've encountered bugs, particularly when exiting or resuming games from sleep mode. These issues disrupt the gameplay experience, highlighting the need for further software optimization.
FPS Mode – A Gimmick?
The FPS mode, while innovative, feels more like a novelty than a necessity. I find myself using it less than expected, questioning its practicality in regular gaming.
Conclusion
Overall, I'm genuinely impressed with this device. Its standout feature is the screen, which offers an immersive gaming experience. Despite some software issues and concerns about durability and performance, I believe with ongoing updates, this device will reach its full potential. It's my go-to device for gaming, and I'm eager to see how it compares with the upcoming Steam Deck OLED. If you're on the fence, I recommend giving it a try. Your thoughts and experiences are welcome, so feel free to share in the comments.